The SEC just recently released all conference games and dates for Georgia’s 2026 season. The key difference between this upcoming season and all previous seasons is that now teams in the SEC will face nine conference games annually.
Whether you love it or hate it, this will provide a new challenge to every team. Specifically, the Georgia Bulldogs are going to have more games to not be complacent and slow in, and there are three games in particular they need to make sure they do not fall into a trap.
1. Arkansas Razorbacks
The last time Georgia played Arkansas was in Athens in 2021. In a game that had College Gameday on campus, Georgia ended up routing the Razorbacks 37-0. Even though Arkansas is coming off of a disappointing season with a new head coach, do not sleep on Arkansas.
Arkansas had the 30th best recruiting class in the country in 2025 and could make some much-needed improvements in 2026. Talented freshman KJ Jackson is also expected to be the starting QB and could cause issues for Georgia if they are not careful. Arkansas will also be Georgia's first SEC opponent of the season in a road game in Fayetteville, so this is a game where UGA needs to be careful.
2. South Carolina Gamecocks
The rivalry of South Carolina and Georgia finally returns in 2026. Since Kirby Smart became head coach, the Gamecocks have only beaten Georgia once, and Shane Beamer has never taken down the Bulldogs as head coach.
Like Arkansas, South Carolina had a disappointing year, but their ceiling in 2026 could potentially be very high. The game will take place in Columbia, and Tennessee and Clemson can explain how the Gamecocks can play in Williams-Brice Stadium when being labeled as underdogs.
3. Vanderbilt Commodores
Even if Vanderbilt is a top 15 team this season and just stole Jared Curtis from Georgia, they can still be considered a trap game. Vanderbilt will be losing a ton of talent in 2026, and do not be shocked if they drop a game or two before they play Georgia in Athens.
If Vanderbilt starts slipping games early, it could be easy to label them as the same old Vandy. However, a five-star quarterback and Clark Lea is nothing to take lightly. Whatever the record may be, Georgia needs to play a strong game against the Commodores.
Thankfully they will have revenge on their minds, so it's hard to imagine Georgia overlooking the Commodores.